An avid viewer of the early 1970s, Stéphane Archambault experienced what he describes as “a kind of golden age of youth television at Radio-Canada”. He has fond memories of several shows, including an Italian-Swiss production with puppets…
Stéphane, which youth program impressed you the most?
sol and chalice. First there was the absurd side: it was a sense of humor that we weren’t used to as children. Sol’s character had a large patched coat and it had everything in it: his phone, his sandwiches… He needed something, it was always in his coat and I was fascinated by it. Also and above all the fact that Sol and Gobelet lived together in an apartment but there was no decoration, no walls … Maybe because of the second level, it was one of the few shows for children where my parents were come and sit with us to hear it.
Aside from spending time with your parents, what are your favorite childhood TV memories?
On Saturday, before dinner, there was Bagatelle, a series of short shows. They were fashionable 5-minute shows, just like the movie snippets Bobino played during his show. We sat like an Indian around the living room table, we ate Ritz biscuits, raw vegetables and it was a family moment with my brother and my parents.
Your teenage years on TV also rhymed with strong jingles… Have you ever thought about singing some of them?
To record them, no, but to sing them, yes. I have done this many times. From time to time there is someone singing The Mysterious Cities of Gold, one responding with Demetan, and another singing Grendizer. Then Yogi the Bear comes on board, then Robin Fusée… I have a repertoire that is no worse and is getting on in years. (laughs)
Is there a character you would have loved to play for children?
I would like to be the villain. I think of Centour in Les 100 Tours de Centour or Aristide Cassoulet (played by Gaétan Labrèche) in Le Major Plum Pouding. A fine step that would not irritate me badly.
Which universe should your children discover?
A series I loved growing up was The Adventures of Chaperonnette à Pois, a Swiss-Italian version of the story of Little Red Riding Hood. They were puppets and for the time it was great.
- The host is Stéphane Archambault The Great Guard Saturdays at 8 p.m. on ICI ARTV, from December 10th. The series of 12 programs revolves around traditional French language music with groups from Louisiana, Saskatchewan, the Maritimes and Quebec.